Like the soul leaving a body
The body buried alive
It wasn't my choice
Not up to me
I'm just the body in the bag

Never having control over myself
You try to make me dependent on you
But despite all the "love" you have
You gave up on me too

Controlled.

- 03/25/19

I keep our memories together in this tiny shoebox placed into the back corner of my mind.
I keep the words that you have spoken to me inside of that box
Including the actions you've done, the way you've made me feel.
I keep the thoughts that I've never told you about, inside.
As well as the freaky **** that constantly crosses my mind.
The symbolic measures that pass me, about you
Such as you being my feather, and you caressing me with your touch.
Inside of the same box.
I keep all these beautiful meanings, tucked and organized
Because when I am ready to fully love you, and admit it
These memories will find their way out of the hidden box
And into my mind, spoken through my words.
I've got you stuck in every aspect of my head
Including my dreams
Can you get out, please?

I feel like everyone's little pity party.
People only see me with those low eyes and a string in their heart because my daddy died.
I've said it before and I'll say it again,
Nobody cares until it's time for them to show out in public.
Nobody cares about you until it's too late.
Nobody cares until you're on your deathbed.
Nobody cares until you're up in the sky.
Nobody cares.
And that's the hardest ******* pill to swallow.

When I feel your touch against my skin, it's instant comfort.
It's as if this specific warmth fills up my heart
My mind is suddenly at ease, my body is full of energy.
I hear your voice and it feels like a soft melody passing through my ears, surrounding my brain.
My mind is full of boxes - boxes filled with the small memories of us.. as well as physical representations of the ways you've made me feel.
My heart.. my heart is at ease, there's this moment of joy passing through my body mixed in with my blood.
I don't understand how you make me feel the way that you do, it's something I've never experienced before.
That may be why I get so anxious, and worried to lose you.. because I don't want to picture the rest of my life without you.
I've said it before and I'll say it again..
My love for you is a portrayal of how you treat me.. nothing more.
& That is why I'm falling deep.

Given the day that is today..
I will make it as joyous as possible
Because this is something that should be celebrated.
You aren't in pain anymore, you're finally free
Sometimes I wish you were here with me
But.. I realize that you are eternally happy
And that's all I ever wanted

Each day is a struggle dragging myself out of my sheets
But I do it for you
I miss your humor, your presence
You were the light that filled every room with beauty
Someone that would help others despise what was going on with yourself
I remember you asking me one day, what I wanted to be when I grew older and well..
Dad my honest answer is, I want to be just like you.
I look up to you, and most importantly, I love you.

You remind me of home, you remind me of my father.
Your personality, your constant motivation, your style.
You remind me of hope, you remind me of all things joyous.
The beauty of the sea and the sky, collided together.
You are the sky, my guiding light. I am the sea, full of storms on the inside, yet beautifully kept together.
Every hug makes me feel instant comfort, it's a need.
I have flown around the world and met no one like you..
Because you are all the things I kept coming back to.

My mind is fidgeting with my soul like a kid playing tricks
My soul is dividing my body like one who does not care for herself
My body is failing me and destroying my peace of the unknown
But this will always be that way
Nobody really cares until it's too late
Nobody really realizes until it's time to go
Nobody understands until you're just a picture on a shelf
Or a note on a fridge
You are not that special to them as they say
But you are special in yourself
You are one of a kind
And don't you ever forget it
You are you
You are more than enough

- 02/22/19

The rain hits the ground and thunder starts to crackle.. reminding me of the sound of a knife inching deeper into my skin.
The sky is the color of my face when I hold my breath to try to make myself suffer for my behavior.
All of the sudden the electricity begins to turn on and off, mocking the misery of this world in my face.
The feeling of raindrops pelting across my skin, only a few shades lighter than my fragile parts after each bruise he gave me.
The paranoia that comes with every human instinct, only intensified.
The worries of the future, the self-hatred..the sensitivity of my heart as another person steps on it one more time.
I grew up with a fascination of this world and what it has the offer.. but now I've entered the age of fascination with death.
My heart begins beating faster than ever before, my skin is turning a darkish blue, my words are no longer coming out of my mouth, my breath is stuck deep inside my diaphragm, my mind is circling around and next thing you know..
7 minutes of my past life are flashing by and at this time it is way too late..
I'm entering the world of paradise.. and hopefully I find some sort of comfort here.

Do you know how much I appreciate having you not only just in my life.. but as mine?
A friend, a lover to share the good times with and express all my troubles to.
A friend, a lover to be myself around and care for.
A friend, a lover who's too important to not be appreciated daily.
Even though I'm certain you already know how loved you are by me, I'd still like to tell you.

I love your laugh, the way you can just light up anybody's day with your smile. The way just about anything you make into a joke, and you always chuckle at things that aren't even funny, it's cute.

I love your voice, the way it makes me feel some type of way when you get stern. By type of way I mean I'm motivated but at the same time *****. The way you wake up and make those small moans as you're trying to awaken. The tone you use to talk about important things versus light-hearted topics. I love it.

I love your personality, this was the catch. You caught me with your heart before your ****, but you definitely got me with both. The way you're so honest and don't care what who thinks. The way you're mature and understand me. The way you not only support me, but push me further. I appreciate you.

I love your face. The way you look at me when you're *****. The way you look at me interested when I talk about anything. The way you admire me the same way I admire you. The way you're so  passionate about your goals and so independent. I'm proud of you.

Though you've heard all of this many times, you will continue to hear them over and over again. I love every single inch of your body. I love every part of your personality that I've met, and love double the parts that I haven't met yet. I love the way I feel with you, around you, near you, talking to you, just.. you. I love your heart. I love how you make me feel loved with such simple things yet.. simple goes so far. I feel appreciated by you, I feel loved by you, I feel happier with you, I feel supported by you.

I appreciate you more and more every single day. I will always remind you how you make me feel because you have made me stronger already. You've helped me shape myself into this woman that I love, that feels unstoppable at times. You help me in my time of need, you tell me what needs to be said. You read me, you read through me. I feel special with you.

You're my baby, my lover, my future boyfriend and I'm becoming in love with all of you.

Your actions of affection are what caught my eyes physically
The warmth in your touch, as you are holding me
Pulling me closer to you as we are sleep
The way you awaken slowly with your eyes, and stare at me
With a beautiful smile on your face.
How any minute you may get to hug me, and love on me.. you do.
The kindness in your heart is what drew me emotionally
Your words of sentiment.. knowing you've gone through much in this life
Yet you keep a positive outlook on the future
The devotion staked into your heart.. is what I'm falling in love with
Yes, you are handsome
Yes, you are beautifully minded
Yes, you are motivated and passionate
But what brought me towards you, is your personality
Your soft heart, that wants to be loved
No matter how many times you deny it
You were searching for someone to love you and care for you, this whole time
Then I came around, not knowing the affect I would later have on you
Though this was unexpected..
I'm ready.

You're everything that I've been praying for.
Those nights that I spent drowning in my tears
For someone to treat me the way that you do
To love me the way that you do
Even though this came unexpected..
You still treated me with the most respect, a true gentleman.
I won't give up on you, I will fight for you
I can't wait to see what the future holds for the both of us.
God blessed me with you, and I am more than blessed to have you

Once upon a time
I was stuck in a tunnel
More deep than you may realize
It was like a maze
And those grieving were the ones
Stuck inside

As time had passed
The tunnel had grown
Deeper & deeper I got stuck
With no aid
No guidance
I had just given up

Then came along a boy
He was the light through the tunnel
The aid that was needed
The angel set out for me

He held my hand
Took me through the dirt
Across the horizons
And showed me life

This is a story of the time I felt
Happy
Pure
Loved.

But sadly we don't talk anymore.

- 02/22/19

There is a beauty in every curse
And a curse in each beauty
No matter how kindhearted, loved, honorable you may be
There will always be someone who harms you
Takes advantage of you.. destroys you
And that's just the beauty
Building your character and personality
So where's the curse?
Well let me tell you..
Your actions. Your words.
The curse is how you respond.

The age of becoming legal
The age where you have become an adult
Congratulations, you're now able to vote.
Wow, you have your own life now.
Parents don't need to be with you anymore
All the help you "had" before is now down the drain
And you are alone.

The age of independency
The age of where you don't need to be attached to anybody
Congratulations, you're grown.
Wow, you don't need those parental figures anymore
Your mentors from the past now assume you'll be just fine
All the years ahead that you are going to suffer
And you are all alone.

You were the reason
I had begun my sobriety
But sadly
You were the reason
I ended it too.

- 04/22/19

I have not been writing much lately
I guess it's because I've been happy
But I don't want my words to come to a break
Just because my emotions are at an all-time high
I want to write even when I'm feeling great
To spread positivity, we have to understand
That it is never too late.

- 05/11/19

People always wonder
How is it that someone can be so perfect
Perfection is a word that is redefined
By different people everyday
So what is the true meaning of perfection?
My definition says it's you

- 06/30/19

The things I have left behind, are the characteristics of my past self
The toxicity, the pain, the anger
The rage that was constantly staked into my heart
The despair of the baggage I had left upon my peers
The hate I had in my heart for my own self.
I never knew how terrible things were until I got to a better state mentally
So as soon as I was able to, I left my past self behind
And I grew into this new girl
With love in her heart towards everyone surrounding her
And even better..
Love for her own self.
The hate and anger was replaced by positivity and joy.

I feel.. free.
Freedom that is abnormal and feels odd
This is an unknown reality to me
I am discerned yet joyous
I am moving past this destructive catastrophe

You want me to suffer, and you want me in pain
But.. you see..
I'm back to being me
I missed her and now I am she
You can sit here and disagree
Say that you had a bigger impact
That I'm still not let free

Deep down though..
We both know..
Even if you don't, I still adore me.

Time and time again, people disappoint me.
Whether it's friends, boyfriends, even family.
At this point it's something I should be able to just accept and move on, but it's not that easy for me.. I care too much.
Regardless of who comes and goes in my life,
Besides the fact that you're my man, and I will have you as mine for as long as time lets us..
I've also realized that you are someone who is meant to be in my life.
You make me stronger, you pull me through many situations I would be still stuck in if it wasn't for you.
You've blessed me in so many different ways and I can confidently say that I've never experienced that from someone before.
Your advice has caught me from doing the same dumb things that I've done for others in the past.
This is the time where I'm trying to understand my own identity, and you've been a huge part of that.
So maybe this IS my time of new beginnings.
As you've said.. new job, new apartment, new semester, and new boyfriend..

As time passes by, as the days get longer and my patience falls short
I understand why..
Why I fall for you harder, each and everyday
I am in love with your personality, your actuality
How in difficult times, you promise yourself
To be there for your own self before anybody else
I am in love with your mindset, and the truth stained behind it
How in times where you doubt yourself, and where you might lessen your spirituality..
You choose the path of growth, while taking a step back
To gaze at the bigger picture.
I am in love with the way you pay attention
The way you observe and memorize my daily routines
How you analyze your thoughts and communicate in a respectful manner
How any slight switch of attitude can show you that I'm not okay
Or the way you listen closely to my expressive emotions
How after we're finished making love..
You caress my body with your fingers and bring me closer
These little things TJ, you might think that I don't notice
But in reality, each moment I spend with you I fall harder for you
Just know that I'm always praying for you
Because Lord knows I did not want to be in a relationship before I met you.

Today made me realize.. to be a woman is one of the most difficult challenges we are constantly thrown back into
The amount of pain that we go through.. the men that cross our paths
How I am afraid of some of these boys that walk right beside us
Act as if they are our friends, care for us
Yet the minute we stand alone.. all morals become forgotten.
I know how difficult it must be, to be someone in your position
To hear something so heartbreaking and cold, especially about someone you care for deeply.
I just want to let you know, that I am in the process of healing
I am still trying to find my voice, and myself.
I try to forget about her and everything tied to her, my old self.
But it is harder than anyone can imagine
Those memories of what people have done to me repetitively
Destroyed my trust, crushed my heart
I'm surprised I even let you in.
But I'm thankful.
Each day for me is a struggle, I am still learning to get past all the traumatic experiences in my life
I want to thank you for being such a great man to me
But most importantly,
To be a great man with morals.
Sad to say, but there really aren't many like you.

Dear Norah,

I mark this paper with words of remorse towards my former self
I write this with pain in my heart, and regret for my past actions
I apologize for the discomfort in my own body
But more importantly.. I apologize for the aching of my soul
I'm sorry for still not becoming the person you had thought I would become by this age
I'm sorry for still suffering mentally..while trying to search for my identity
I'm sorry for not understanding myself to the full extent yet.
There are a lot of things that I'm disheartened about..
But at the same time..
I'm a better person today than I was a few years ago
I'm a more reliant and independent individual
I'm myself, and I am proud of me.
So past Norah, I'm sorry for not being mentally stable enough to handle myself
But I have grown.
And as my parents always told me..
With patience comes progress
With time, I'll thrive.

Escape from the wilderness
Of my dreams
Suffer the silence
Of those who are near
The distant ones are the safer ones
The nearer the better
My thoughts like a jungle
Corrupted in every sense
Caged into my brain
Capacity on low
I'm going to explode

- 03/07/19

I remember the first time I had expressed my emotions to you.
You were sitting in that same chair in front of the laptop with flashing lights and a blue background
With dark blue clothing and those gold glasses you love to wear.
I was on FaceTime with you.. and you were working on your music
We began having a conversation then suddenly I put it onto you.
Not going to lie I was afraid for your response
I was thinking that you were going to reject me and then I would have ruined something that was going so well.
But regardless, I thought, at least you would know my true feelings
And who knows.. what if you felt the same?
& I'm so glad I did.

You sat in awe for a few minutes.. thinking about every possibility
Probably emotions and memories
Wanders and worries.
Before you gave me a complete response..
But the phrase that stuck with me the most was when you asked me,
"Why did you come into my life?"
At that very satirical moment.. I knew I was special to you too.

I told you to leave me alone
To get away from me
I'm having an awful time
I am not in the right state of mind

But you kept going
You kept pushing
You didn't think to care how I felt
You wanted to get your pleasure

You went down so low
That you went out of your way
To mess up a girls life
A girl you didn't even know

A girl you had never met before
Just someone who was pretty
Someone who had "the body"
I am ashamed of you. *******.
**** anyone who knows of your true self.
And lastly, **** anyone who ever supported you.
You don't deserve to have a joyful life.

- 08/21/19

I departed from my depression
I gaze at the world with an altered perspective
The sky is so blue.. the trees reflecting a vibrant green
The dark, beautiful red roses blossoming
The children playing amongst their friends
The beauty of little things
And the blessings given to me in this life
The sun is shining..
And at night when the moon rises.. I see the beauty
The charm of darkness not being embedded in between my feelings
This is the time where I realize
That I am not my emotions
I accept me, and I'm in love.

The more I get to know you
Understanding your tendencies..your capabilities..
I feel a bigger heart full of love for you
Each step you take
Jogging your way into my heart
Running through my mind constantly
I feel like my soul has awaken
I feel like I have found myself
I feel like I have been brought to the fate of my happiness
Sometimes I feel like you're too good to be true
Other times I feel like I'm worth it.. like I deserve it
But either way
You are the biggest blessing that I've had in a while
So please don't disappoint me
And..
Please don't leave me
You're everything I've been asking God for.

- 01/18/2020

Living every single day without you is a drag
I constantly have to force myself to be social
Because that's what you would have wanted
You would want me to be okay, and to thrive
Every single day I sit here and pray
Pray for our wellbeing, pray for you, pray for me
But how am I supposed to do so..
When my mentor was the one to teach me?
You were there for not even half of my story.. 12 years.
Which I'm grateful for but.. I need you.
Every single day I cry my tears and stray away from my faith
I need my mentor
I need my bestfriend
I need my father.

we flirt
all the time
we smile and laugh
but how am i
supposed to know if this
is real?
i feel like i can't control
my emotions as easily.
it's so hard talking to you
everyday and not saying
all the things that i want
you to hear.

The metaphor of my fears cleansing through my body
The sound of oceans over the shore
Crackling among my ears
As if the waves are right beside me
Sunsets over the movements
And that is the moment
Where you realize
Peace and hope exists

- 03/13/19

Filter your emotions with words
Examine your goals and how far you are willing to go
Control the rage you have inside your heart
And watch how positive you can see the world
How beautiful the Earth truly is
When you hit one bump
Don't fool yourself into striking another
You are okay
And you always will be
As long as you believe in yourself.

- 12/03/19

Even though we were connected within such little time
And I shouldn't have trusted you so fully
I still did.. I still treated you as my royalty
You went behind my back.. actually
You went behind HER back.. and destroyed my peace of mind
I was doing good before I met you..
I will still always be doing good..
But just know,
You came into my life at a time where I am attained to self-growth
I am cherished in self-love
I could give one less **** about you anymore
It's her I'm worried about.

Sometimes.. just sometimes.. I'd rather hear words of comfort rather than words of truth.

You are the one I do everything for
I miss you more and more as the time changes
And as everyone forgets who you were,
I still sit here and reminisce each and every memory of us
I love you more than anyone in this world could have
I was your little princess, and you left me
But just save a seat for me please, I'm coming soon.

I'm personally tired.
I'm drained by my peers.
Being dragged around by everyone, not letting myself be my own self
It's like everyone is so judgmental, everyone is so hateful towards one another
Even those who support you, turn around and talk badly about you.
This world is so cruel, it's so hard living every day
It hurts me to sit here and write this
My mind has been drowning in tears, and the saddest thing is.. nobody would truly know
At this point, I've mastered silent cries.
My heart has been hurting, my mind has been lurking.
I've been searching for my peace for a long time and sometimes I don't think it's even meant for me.
On another note.
I saw this tweet today,
That women do a lot of things that go unnoticed and unappreciated by men.. and I have never seen another tweet so true.
No matter how much I try, no matter how hard I work, no matter how above and beyond I go.. it'll never be enough.
That **** hurts my heart.

Words can't express how blessed I am
To have someone as beautifully minded
As easily trusted, loving and caring
As you.
Only actions and time will express my true emotions for you
But just know
Through thick and thin, no matter what occurs
I will be here, right by your side
Always.
As your lover.

Thank you for being my candle through this tunnel of darkness
Things have been very depressing, I feel as if I have lost myself once again
You are the constant reminder that nobody can control me
You are the one who motivates me to accomplish more than I did the day before
You have helped me realize that I am not dependent on anyone, that I only owe myself growth
You have refreshed and reset my mind into this new mentality
Constructing my thoughts to understand
That I am fierce, and capable of all that I put my head into
Thank you for knowing how to help me in ways that not only attain to my growth
But without putting yourself into the situation
You don't even know how blessed I am to have you.

My heart aches
Why did you have to come near me?
Showed me affection
Gave me hope
Then turned around and jabbed me
Left me to bleed
I am in so much pain
But you wouldn't care
Because she's right over there
Waiting for you
But before you go on
I want to warn her
Tell her everything you did to me
And I want to tell you
I still love you

- 12/03/19

Every time I gaze into your eyes.. I see your beauty
The presence you hold is intimidating, but I see through you
I know the real you.
I vision your kind soul passing your love and guidance along to me
I vision your mistakes causing issues, yet you push yourself through the disturbances
Your adherence to my soul tricks me into thinking you're secretly trying to play me
Maybe because that's how I was treated before
But this is new.. this is strange
I take one step closer, and dive deeper
Fall for your flaws, fall for your presence
I fall for you
My mind wants me to distance
But my heart wants to be intertwined with yours
It's about time I stop letting my thoughts control me
And let my emotions lead the way
I'm going to love you.

These waves swishing through the ocean
Remind me of my childhood
How life just "swished by"
I'm young but I feel so old

These waves remind me of my innocence
Snatched away from me
At that age of childhood
When I had no choice but to grow up

These waves remind me of my hardships
How life kept on moving
Forward and ahead
Continuously picking myself up through the breeze

These waves remind me of my happiness
Washed away from the shore
Give me joy
Instead of constantly making me pray for more

- 03/15/19

Today was the day I got the first official copy of my book
I'm overjoyed and in denial
The thoughts I have thrown onto paper
The years I've spent in misery and pain
All is in this one book, that is now about to be published.
I am in joy but I am more nervous
Why am I afraid of vulnerability when
My pain, my hurt could be treasure to heal
The way I lay my words, and understand my own emotions
I know others will like this book
I am more than excited for it to be on sale..
Scarlet Rose & Growth

I love when I have your attention
Sometimes I feel like the only time I get your true, undivided attention is when I read you these poems and when I'm upset
Which don't get me wrong, I'm thankful for.
But I love your attention, I love the feeling I get when I look at you
And you are looking at me, listening with both ears
Not being distracted by anything nearby,
No matter what stupid **** I have to say
But I also do realize that I say stupid **** a lot and you probably hear the same things over and over..
But I love when I have a grasp on your attention..
Not only do I feel cared for, but I feel worthwhile.

The rose that is engraved onto my body
I did it for you, in honor of you
How from afar this flower is so beautiful yet..
Up close you see the prickles and thorns that have been sacrificed within the hidden pain beneath the beauty
You are the reason I wake up every single day
And push myself a step further.. and further.
The moment my eyes awaken each new day..
Is distress on my mind from being beaten before
I am afraid of myself but dad..
You taught me to be a whole different person
That the woman I have grown into today..
Is a strong, faithful, and kind woman
You are a blessing deddy
I know I missed out on saying this before..
But you will always be in my heart.

The human mind is like a galaxy full of thoughts
Instead of stars
Gifted with each individual detail
Placed together to make a beautiful memory
Stored in the back of the brain untouched

It is complex.

- 04/21/19

I want you to express your feelings to me.
I'm over here constantly telling you how I feel
I base my relationships off of emotions which might not be your way, but it is a huge part of mine
I need to hear how you truly feel sometimes without me completely asking for it
Or trying to play guessing games with myself
I hear all about our ****** desires and fantasies
I hear all about our intimate touches and loving gestures but..
I want to know how you truly feel about me, and about our upcoming relationship.
That's something that is very important to me.

This girl has been here for me since freshman year of high school.
When we met in our Geography class, we became friends and sat next  to one another
Since then we've created many memories and let's just say..
This girl is the biggest blessing I have in my life.
She has been there for me each year since then,
Checking if I'm okay not only physically, but mentally.
She's truly a gem in disguise.
The memories of us being in different classes such as Psychology,
making jokes in the back of the class
To filling our cravings such as going to ihop
**** near every weekend we would go to the grocery store, and that was our way of bonding.
This is why I love her - because she was always so understanding, and on the same page as me
We both would get annoyed of too much time being spent, but in need of at least seeing one another
We miss each others presence at the same time specifically as if there's some sort of telepathic switch in our minds
I thought me moving away to college would put a burden on our friendship but in reality, it made things so much better

To Logan, you are my best friend, my sister.
I would do anything I could for you, and I Know you would do the same. Even though the first time we met I thought you were weird as hell
Flashing off the teacher on accident you were quite odd - but I learned to love this part of you
But not only that, I became vulnerable and transparent with you.
You are my poetic charm, and I can't wait until we work on this project together.
We will both be so successful and I have your back no matter what.
I love you to the moon and back, the rose's charm.
I love you Logan.

I'm going to give you some advice
You've probably heard it before but thank me later.

Never take your parents for granted
They are your backbones, your juices of joy
They love you more than you can imagine
Yes, you may argue, you may have bruises here and there
But look deeper into your thoughts
And see how they want to build you
Your parents only want to grow you instead of destroy you
Yet us, being immature and acting grown, see it differently
We feel as if they are holding us.. in this cell of depression
When in reality, it's us.
We believe so hard that our parents are out to get us
The only choice of escaping is suicide
Or at least that's what I thought
Now look, it's the sixth year of my fathers death anniversary
& I promise you, each and every day I regret my actions
I regret how I never became closer with my father
I regret some things I used to say
I regret letting my ego and pride get in the way of my family

Don't be like me.

My time is near
I can smell the growing pain of my death
My ashes are fixated into the air
Who would've thought this would be reality?
No matter where I go.. it feels like I'm stuck in some realm
Of anger and brutality
The unseen normality
I look further and realize
Life is not a game of strike and spare
But somehow it seems as if
When God comes and pulls souls out of bodies
So swiftly and suddenly
One by one..
I know I'm going to hit the strike and humanity will hit the spare.

If I could go back in time today,
To the day we met
I wouldn't change a single thing.
Everything was so perfectly planned
Emotions began to form quickly, yet at the same pace
And to this day,
Two months later,
We're good.
Though if I could go back in time today,
Way before we met
I would tell myself
That someone perfect for you, is coming
And to stop fw these lame men
Who don't care for you
And wait for you to get a real one.
If I could go back in time today,
To the last time I saw you
I would hug you a little bit tighter
I miss you more and more each day.

Have you ever loved someone?
Grew up with them..got used to their presence
Took things for granted and..
One day they became vanished from your world
As if they were never there to begin with?

& I don't mean a romantic lover..
Someone with the resemblance of faith
I mean someone you would look up to.. like a mentor.
Someone with the visage of joy
My father.